During dormancy, you may be surprised to discover that your snake plant hasn’t shown any new growth. You don’t need to worry! The plant’s growth rate will vary, so it’s not a problem. Snake plants grow rapidly during the growing season, which is from spring to summer.
As a general rule, this plant tends to grow slowly in moderate or indoor light. Your snake plant will grow much faster if it is placed in a place that gets plenty of sunlight. It doesn’t matter what the variety is, the final width and height aren’t separate.
Fortunately, this post will provide you with the information on snake plants’ growth rate that you need to know to manage them well. Let’s check out the little research we did below!
Snake Plant Growth Rate
It is generally considered that snake plants have a slow growth rate. During a growing season, this plant will typically grow 2-3 new leaves. This plant will remain dormant during the fall and winter.
Snake plants’ growth rates will vary depending on the variety, humidity, intensity of light, temperature, and other factors. If your snake plant grows rapidly and develops handsome foliage, it is said that it is doing well. However, to get them to grow well, you need to nurture and care for them.
In spite of the snake plant being a low-maintenance plant, if you want it to grow well and have enough leaves, you will also have to take good care of it.
The snake plant’s size varies in several ways; however, the most important factor that determines its size is the type of plant. Several snake plant varieties, including Sansevieria trifaciata laurentii, can actually reach a maximum length of 5 feet. In the meantime, the average length will be 2-3 feet. However, this snake plant variety never grows more than a foot in length.
Snake Plants Grow to What Size?
It also depends on the variety of snake plant how large it grows. A popular snake plant variety is Sansevieria trifaciata laurentii, which has a snake-skin-like center of green and yellow stripes going up both sides of its leaves.
Leaf growth on this plant tends to be vertical. Even though it does not flower frequently, this plant likely produces a fast-growing stalk of small, sweet-smelling white flowers. Most of this variety grows between 1-2 feet in height, with some growing up to 3 feet depending on the conditions. It has also been reported to reach a height of 5 feet.
Several Factors Which Affect the Snake Plant’s Growth Rate
It’s true that your snake plant’s growth rate is affected by a variety of factors. Here they are:
Soil
We all know the soil is essential to a plant’s success because it absorbs all the minerals and nutrients it needs. When it comes to snake plants, the type of potting soil plays a crucial role in their growth.
To avoid overwatering your soil, make sure your potting soil drains well. Another recommended snake plant potting soil alternative is cactus soil mixed in the same proportion with well-draining potting soil. Compost can also be added to the mixture.
Ideally, the ratio of cactus soil to potting soil should be 1:1. Soil must then contain roughly 25% compost. Your plants may already know that compost helps them with micronutrients and macronutrients alike.
Adaptability
It takes some time for your snake plant to adapt to the new environment, as do most plants. If you bought this plant, you should give it some time to adjust to the new environment.
Due to the packaging, shipping, and also repotting, the plant may suffer some shocks. Allow your plant to settle by not fertilizing it for at least a week.
Overfertilization
Overfertilization and overwatering are the two most common issues your snake plant faces. Be careful not to overfeed your plants with fertilizer. A few snake plant enthusiasts fertilize this plant once every year and continue to do so the following year.
Do not fertilize them during dormant periods. In reality, you can administer a weak dose of a reasonable 10:10:10 fertilization. Don’t fertilize them for a month after the excess fertilizer has been flushed out.
Pruning
As with other plants, your snake plant also needs to be pruned to grow bushier. Prune them to remove the unrequired leaves, allowing them to grow as quickly as possible. Apart from that, pruning your snake plant will give it the right shape and size.
Nevertheless, if you’ve never pruned your snake plant, this may be one of the reasons why it gets stunted. A little pruning, however, can help your plant to grow bushier and healthier.
Temperature and Humidity
Snake plants can grow well in low light areas and low bright lighting conditions due to their drought resistance. As a consequence, if your plant is grown under bright light, you may need to water it more frequently as the soil will dry out sooner.
Other than that, your snake plants will grow well in the low-light area, but their foliage probably won’t look as bushy or as green. Considering the indirect light and room temperature your snake plant requires, it is a perfect match.
Pot’s Size
The size of the pot is also important for the growth of a snake plant. In a small pot, your plant will naturally become root-bound and halt its growth at a certain point. To give you an idea, in order to maintain a plant of one foot height, you need at least a two-gallon pot. Similarly, if your plant is 2 feet tall, you should use a three-gallon pot, and so on.
There you have it: a few factors which will influence your snake plant’s growth rate. Always keep those factors in mind.